ACADEMIC OUTCOMES AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS RECEIVING GROWTH-HORMONE THERAPY

In this study we assessed the prevalence of academic difficulties amon g children and adolescents (103 boys and 47 girls ages 6-18 years) pre sently receiving growth hormone (GH) therapy in a cross-sectional stud y. Psychoeducational functioning was assessed by parent report. Betwee n 18% and 29% of the youths were performing poorly in at least one of four key academic subjects, and 26% had been classified as educational ly ''handicapped.'' Those with growth failure attributable to more med ically involved conditions exhibited greater academic difficulty. Seve rity of short stature, duration of GH therapy, and growth-responsivene ss to treatment were not significantly related to academic problems. T he finding that academic difficulties are commonly observed among yout hs receiving GH therapy underscores the importance of developing a rem ediation plan as early as possible. Our study does not support the pro position that OH-mediated improvements in growth normalize academic ac hievement.